Cultural Geography

Religions of the World

 Religion (The Basics)

Religion is a belief in a supernatural

power or powers that are regarded as
the creators and maintainers of the
universe.
 Types of Religions
Monotheistic religions believe in one
god.
Polytheistic religions believe in many
gods.
Animistic or traditional religions often
believe that different aspects of nature
have divine powers.
Religions of the World
Religions of the World
Religions of the World

Red = Christianity, Green = Islam

 Religions of the World

Religion Followers
Christianity 1.9 billion
Islam 1.1 billion
Hinduism 781 million
Buddhism 324 million
Sikhism 19 million
Judaism 14 million
 Southwest Asia

The three religions that began in

Southwest Asia are:
A. Judaism (2000 BCE)
B. Christianity (26-36 CE)
C. Islam (610 CE)
 Judaism
Some of the major beliefs of Judaism are:
A. Monotheism - There is one god who is all
powerful and all knowing.
B. This god made a special covenant or
agreement with Abraham, who is the ‘father’
of the Jewish people.
C. God revealed his laws to his people through
Moses and the ten commandments.
Western Wall
Star of David
 Christianity
Christianity was heavily influenced by
Judaism. Some of the major beliefs of
Christianity are:
A. Monotheism - There is one god who is
all powerful and all knowing.
B. Jesus Christ died for the sins of
humankind.
C. Salvation comes from faith in God.
 Christianity

Christians believe the Old and New

Testaments of the Bible are holy books.
The first four books of the New
Testament were written by followers of
Jesus.
 Christianity

Some branches of Christianity are:

Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and
Eastern Orthodox.
Orthodox Christianity
Saint Basil’s
Icons
 Islam
Islam is a monotheistic religion that
developed in Saudi Arabia in the early
600s. Islam is directly related to
Judaism and Christianity.
Islam was founded by the Prophet
Muhammed who lived from 570 to 632
in Saudi Arabia.
Islam
 Islam
The five pillars or central teachings of Islam are:
A. A statement of faith
B. Prayer (five times a day in the direction of
Mecca)
C. Charity
D. Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your
lifetime (called the Hajj)
E. Fasting (during the month of Ramadan)
 Islam

The teachings of Muhammed were

collected into a book called the Koran.
Muslims worship in buildings called
mosques.
Dome of the Rock
Mecca
Crescent and Star
 Hinduism

Hinduism is one of the oldest religions

in the world. It is a polytheistic religion
that originated in South Asia, present
day India, around 2500 B.C.E.
 Hinduism
Atman is the spirit or soul of a person, which
most Hindus believe, is eternal.
Brahman refers to a supreme spirit but it can
also mean an infinite and unchanging reality.
Hindus believe that the goal of life is to
realize that your atman is the same as
Brahman and thereby reach moksha, or
liberation.
 Hinduism
Hindus believe in reincarnation and
karma. A person dies, then lives again,
until they finally reach moksha.
Hindus have several holy books called
Vedas, Upanishads, and the epics the
Mahabharata and Ramayana.
 Hinduism
The caste system is a system of social
organization in India. When a person is
born they are born into one of four
castes or as a Dalit. This system has
led to discrimination and has been
outlawed in India. Hindus still debate
whether the caste system is part of
Hinduism or an outdated social custom.
 Hinduism
The castes are:
A. Brahmins: Teachers and priests.
B. Kshatriyas: Warriors, nobles, and
kings.
C. Vaishyas: Farmers, merchants, and
businessmen.
D. Shudras: Servants and laborers.
Angkor Wat
 Buddhism

Buddhism is related to Hinduism and

shares many of the same basic beliefs.
The relationship between Buddhism
and Hinduism is similar to the
relationship between Christianity and
Judaism.
 Buddhism

Buddhism was founded by a man

named Siddhartha who was born
around 500 - 400 B.C. in Nepal.
Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism
 Taoism

Taoism is a religion or philosophy that

began in China around 500 - 400 B.C.
Tradition says that Taoism is based on
the teachings of Laozi.
The Tao Te Ching is a collection of
Laozi’s teachings.
 Taoism
The Tao is called the Great Mother
Empty yet inexhaustible,
It gives birth to infinite worlds.

It is always present within you.

You can use it any way you want.
Taoism
 Confucianism
Confucianism is a philosophy that
began in China around 500 - 400 B.C.
It is based on the teachings of
Confucius.
Confucianism is concerned mainly with
social organization. It emphasizes
respect for elders and education.
 Ancestor Worship
One ancient belief that has been
incorporated into many religions in Asia
is the idea of worshipping and
respecting one’s ancestors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDRdclRhmts